'You need more than 11 - we've got that'

Glen Johnson has stressed the importance of Brendan Rodgers having options from the bench during matches – fortunately, he senses a new depth to the Liverpool squad this season.

The manager has completed nine pieces of transfer business to date this summer, strengthening various areas of the Reds' team and bolstering the numbers within his group.

With Champions League participation an addition to commitments in the Barclays Premier League and domestic cup competitions, Johnson believes the moves were necessary.

He's confident, too, that once the summer signings have had sufficient time to fully settle into life at Anfield, the club will reap the rewards of their recruitment work in pre-season.

"Now we've got players who can come off the bench and help the team," the full-back explained to the Liverpool Echo.

"It's not just the 11 starting the game that wins games, you need 14. It's about squad performances. The manager wants competition for every position and you need that if you are going to compete in every competition this season.

"I don't know what the expectation levels are outside the club but as players we certainly haven't put any extra pressure on ourselves this season. We know how well we can play when we put it all together.

"There are new players who need to bed in and get used to the style of play. But we have signed some great players so I am sure it won't take too long. The squad is definitely a lot stronger than it was."